Homework's Lessons Are Often Unintended; Lombardi's Assignment

Published: November 16, 2003

Remembering the Best and Worst Homework's Lessons Are Often Unintended Illustrations by Tom Bloom

Done but not forgotten. That's the verdict from readers who wrote about their most memorable homework assignments, the very best and the very worst. Here is a sampling of projects that stood the test of time:

In 1946-47, I was a student at St. Cecelia's High School in Englewood. My teacher in chemistry was also the school's football coach. He went on to become a legend, and not just because our team was unbeaten for several years. His name was Vince Lombardi.

In 1946-47, during the week before the long Thanksgiving weekend, all the other teachers, mostly nuns, excused our homework lessons. Mr. Lombardi, however, doubled the assignments.

It might also be noted that the traditional Thanksgiving game was between St. Cecelia's and Hackensack High School. Vince Lombardi's team consistently won against the Hackensack team, which was coached by his brother.